(Photo Caption -William Remer standing next to a placer mine, undated. Deadwood History, Inc., Adams Museum Collection.)

In the festive ambiance of Deadwood during Christmas, the spirit of giving and togetherness connects the town’s contemporary celebrations with the historic pursuits of prospectors. As families exchange gifts and share joy, there’s a nod to the camaraderie and community spirit that sustained the prospectors during the challenging times of the Gold Rush. 

This month’s featured prospector is William Remer, a man who wore many hats during his time in Deadwood. According to the Rapid City Journal, Remer was born in Penn Yan, New York, in 1855 and came to Deadwood in 1880. 

Throughout his time in Deadwood he was an active member of the community, serving in various public and private roles. His obituary in the Rapid City Journal describes him as a Black Hills pioneer, peace officer, mining promoter and US District commissioner.” 

An Adams Museum Collection Photo shows Remer all dressed up in a plaid shirt, studded leather wrist cuffs, chaps, gunbelt and holding a revolver in a studio portrait. The museum believes the photo may have been taken when Remer played the part of Buffalo Bill Cody during a Days of ‘76 celebration. 

The Daily Deadwood Pioneer-Times in 1924 reprinted comments from the Pierre Capital Journal praising Remer’s portrayal of the famous western scout and showman. “There is no one better equipped to represent Buffalo Bill than Mr. Remer,” the article says. “Mr. Remer is a typical westerner and Black Hills citizen.” 

Remer started out as a cashier at a bank in Sturgis, then joined the legendary Homestake Mining Company as paymaster. That job proved to be perilous – in 1888, Bremer helped capture several men who had helped rob the Homestake pay train. He later served four years as the Lawrence County Sheriff, then returned to clerical work as the secretary of the Trojan Mining Company. 

Around the turn of the century, Remer joined another gold rush to Goldfield, Nev. In December 1909, The Daily Deadwood Pioneer-Times published a report that Remer had disappeared from his Nevada mining camp and “some apprehension for his safety is felt.” Remer saw that report and swiftly telegraphed news organizations in the Black Hills to assure them of his safety. Several newspapers published apologies for circulating the rumor.  

After a few years, Remer returned to Deadwood. In 1928 he became the registrar of deeds in the Lawrence County treasurer’s office, then served as U.S. District Commissioner until his death in 1943.

As the holidays approach, Christmas in Deadwood becomes a time to honor the enduring legacy of prospectors like Remer, whose adventurous spirit and resilience helped shape the town into the vibrant community it is today.

Did you know that First Gold Gaming is aptly named due to the proximity of where gold was initially struck in Deadwood? To honor that history, we have partnered with Deadwood History Inc. to provide a featured prospector of the month. Featuring miners who formed this region is a symbiotic and fun way to tie into the local culture. After all, we all hope for the same thing – striking it rich.